To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

News paper of the University of Southern C alifornia
Thursday February 29,19% Vol. CXXVII, No. 32
Headlines
Thompson's term at USC measured
The USC women's basketball program has a storied tradition with some famous names. Whether or not forward Tina Thompson has earned the right to be among them is considered.
Sports, page 16
Where have all the comics gone?
Or at least the good ones. Editorial writer Aaron Paquette laments the dropout of the quality strips, leaving slim pickings for those who want their daily dose of the funny pages.
Viewpoint, page 4
Radio program hits the high notes
Morning Becomes Elcctic, the morning radio show on KCRW-FM, mixes a wide range of musical styles.
Chris Douridas talks about hosting the show as well as how he got the gig.
Diversions, page 8
F.Y.I.
Panel discussion; work-study abroad
Local 11 will be screening its video "USC: Uneasy in South Central" today, followed by a panel discussion of USC's role in the community. Invited speakers include community leaders and USC administration. Issues brought up will include the university's role in interracial relations in the area, its influence as the city's largest private employer.
The event will be held in the Annenberg Auditorium from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served,
• • •
The American Institute for Foreign Study is offering the chance for 100 college students to study in Europe this fall under a new, low-cost cultural exchange program.
Called "AuPair 111 Europe," the program allows students to study while living with, and providing part-time care for, families in England, France, Spain or Germany.
For more information, call AIFS at (800) 727-2437.
'Vote Results' ticket leads in exit poll
By Jovie Baclayon
Staff Writer
An informal Student Senate election exit
foil conducted Wednesday by the Daily rojan showed that presidential candidate Dave Gabler and his running mate Adina Israel were leading their competitors, Adam Stokes and Pete Baghdassarian.
Stokes and Baghdassarian remain on the ballot despite a decision Sunday by the Elections Commission to disqualify the ticket for alleged bribery and disrupting the election.
Senate Elections‘96
They continue to campaign while awaiting appeal the Judicial Council on Monday night.
a decision on the
tiey made to the
Out of 61 students questioned, 30 voted for Gabler and Israel's "Vote Results" ticket while Stokes and Baghdassarian's "Experience Counts!" ticket received 20 votes.
Five students voted for write-in candidates, four voted for no candidate and two declined to disclose their candidate preference.
Of the students polled, 20 were from the residence hall constituency, 17 were from the Greek community, 13 were commuters and seven were from the student community constituency.
"The turnout today is definitely higher than yesterday because of the weather," said Gizmo Castaneda, a member of the Elections
Laura Lanchester / Daily Trojan
Students voted in front of Tommy Trojan on Wednesday, the final day of balloting.
Commission.
Voting was considered low at the polls near Troy Hall, although they had at least 100 people vote, said Castaneda, a freshman majoring in public policy and management.
A preliminary nearing to discuss the appeal made by Stokes and Baghdassarian will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in rcxim 208 of the VonKleinsmid Center, and is open
to the public.
According to a press release from the Judicial Council, the hearing will "determine whether the matter involves the Constitution, Bylaws or policies of the Student Senate."
If the case is found to be within the jurisdiction of the council, a hearing date will be set.
Lectures accompany Smithsonian tour
Museum visitors part of exhibit scheduled to wrap up next weekend
By Morgan Segal
Staff Writer
Four top scholars displayed the research and expertise of the Smithsonian Institute through on-campus seminars Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the "Smithsonian's Voices of Discovery" program.
The program brings to Los Angeles a group of active researchers who will share the institution's work with a variety of audiences in a series of free lectures, discussions and special presentations, which will continue through March 3.
The lectures complement the "America's Smithsonian" traveling exhibition, celebrating the Institution's 1996 sesquicentennial,
which will be in Los Angeles through March 8.
The group includes Smithsonian Institute Zoo Director Michael Robinson, anthropologist Alicia Gonzalez, Japanese art curator Ann Yonemura and sculpture curator Valerie Fletcher.
"This is the human component of our 150th anniversary exhibition," said Michael Robinson, co-creator of the "Smithsonian Voices of Discovery" program and director of the museum's National Zoo.
"We are famous for collections which everyone will see in 'America's Smithsonian.' What people do not see on a daily basis, what they do not know about, is the research and scholarship that goes on behind the scenes.
"This is a perfect opportunity to bring together before the public eye these other vital components of our work," he said.
The Smithsonian's contributions include research in diverse fields of art and science.
"The astronomical observatory had made major discoveries in finding out about the existence of planets outside our solar system," Robinson said. "We are making discoveries in tropical biology in Panama and Malaysia.
"My researchers at the National Zoo have made major advances in propagating endangered species by embryo transplantation, 'ou can take an in vitro embryo of a tiger and put it in a surrogate mother and get baby tigers."
Robinson discussed rain forest biology, the biological arms race and the conflict between
?redator and prey in the animal kingdom on uesday in a graduate student and faculty seminar in the Hancock building.
Alicia Gonzalez, Smithsonian director of college and university relations, spoke about the history of bread and bread-making in Western civilization at a graduate student and faculty seminar in the Montgomery Ross
(See Smithsonian, page 6)
On-campus service to tape texts for blind
By Siran Babayan
Staff Writer
A new on-campus service will begin recording textbooks onto audio tapes for blind and dyslexic students within a couple weeks.
Those students have typically faced a four to six week wait for their texts to be transcribed onto tape by an off-campus service, according to the Learning Center.
The goal of the new service, which nas not yet been named, is to make audio available to students within a week.
The Learning Center's
Reader/Taping Service, which in the past has used a contractor on the East Coast, is designed to help students with visual impairments, perceptual deficits and other physical handicaps.
According to the Office for Students with Disabilities, 10 to 12 students who are blind or partially sighted and 15 to 20 who are dyslexic or who read slowly currently use the service.
"These students need reader services because they simply can't do it with their visual system," said Dr. Janet Eddy, (See Blind, page 3)
Coffeehouse prices stimulate concern
By Antonia Barber
Staff Writer
Trojan Grounds, the specialty coffee, snack and pastry house recently opened next to Leavey Library, is working to address the handful of student complaints, including a lack of seating, long lines and high prices.
Michael Gratz, director of hospitality services, said he has received some negative comments from students regarding the new coffee shop, but a majority of them have been positive.
He and the store's management are working to solve the most serious concerns, such as adding stools and an extra cash
register. They are also kxiking into operating 24 hours a day during finals week.
Student building government representatives from the Residential Dining Advocacy Committee have been addressing their concerns about Trojan Grounds to Auxiliary Services management and EVK representatives at their weekly meetings, said Ben Martens, advocacy representative from Deans' Halls.
"We have brought to their attention that some students were frustrated with the long lines," said Martens, a freshman majoring in biology.
Others are not satisfied with (See Prices, page 6)

News paper of the University of Southern C alifornia
Thursday February 29,19% Vol. CXXVII, No. 32
Headlines
Thompson's term at USC measured
The USC women's basketball program has a storied tradition with some famous names. Whether or not forward Tina Thompson has earned the right to be among them is considered.
Sports, page 16
Where have all the comics gone?
Or at least the good ones. Editorial writer Aaron Paquette laments the dropout of the quality strips, leaving slim pickings for those who want their daily dose of the funny pages.
Viewpoint, page 4
Radio program hits the high notes
Morning Becomes Elcctic, the morning radio show on KCRW-FM, mixes a wide range of musical styles.
Chris Douridas talks about hosting the show as well as how he got the gig.
Diversions, page 8
F.Y.I.
Panel discussion; work-study abroad
Local 11 will be screening its video "USC: Uneasy in South Central" today, followed by a panel discussion of USC's role in the community. Invited speakers include community leaders and USC administration. Issues brought up will include the university's role in interracial relations in the area, its influence as the city's largest private employer.
The event will be held in the Annenberg Auditorium from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served,
• • •
The American Institute for Foreign Study is offering the chance for 100 college students to study in Europe this fall under a new, low-cost cultural exchange program.
Called "AuPair 111 Europe," the program allows students to study while living with, and providing part-time care for, families in England, France, Spain or Germany.
For more information, call AIFS at (800) 727-2437.
'Vote Results' ticket leads in exit poll
By Jovie Baclayon
Staff Writer
An informal Student Senate election exit
foil conducted Wednesday by the Daily rojan showed that presidential candidate Dave Gabler and his running mate Adina Israel were leading their competitors, Adam Stokes and Pete Baghdassarian.
Stokes and Baghdassarian remain on the ballot despite a decision Sunday by the Elections Commission to disqualify the ticket for alleged bribery and disrupting the election.
Senate Elections‘96
They continue to campaign while awaiting appeal the Judicial Council on Monday night.
a decision on the
tiey made to the
Out of 61 students questioned, 30 voted for Gabler and Israel's "Vote Results" ticket while Stokes and Baghdassarian's "Experience Counts!" ticket received 20 votes.
Five students voted for write-in candidates, four voted for no candidate and two declined to disclose their candidate preference.
Of the students polled, 20 were from the residence hall constituency, 17 were from the Greek community, 13 were commuters and seven were from the student community constituency.
"The turnout today is definitely higher than yesterday because of the weather," said Gizmo Castaneda, a member of the Elections
Laura Lanchester / Daily Trojan
Students voted in front of Tommy Trojan on Wednesday, the final day of balloting.
Commission.
Voting was considered low at the polls near Troy Hall, although they had at least 100 people vote, said Castaneda, a freshman majoring in public policy and management.
A preliminary nearing to discuss the appeal made by Stokes and Baghdassarian will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in rcxim 208 of the VonKleinsmid Center, and is open
to the public.
According to a press release from the Judicial Council, the hearing will "determine whether the matter involves the Constitution, Bylaws or policies of the Student Senate."
If the case is found to be within the jurisdiction of the council, a hearing date will be set.
Lectures accompany Smithsonian tour
Museum visitors part of exhibit scheduled to wrap up next weekend
By Morgan Segal
Staff Writer
Four top scholars displayed the research and expertise of the Smithsonian Institute through on-campus seminars Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the "Smithsonian's Voices of Discovery" program.
The program brings to Los Angeles a group of active researchers who will share the institution's work with a variety of audiences in a series of free lectures, discussions and special presentations, which will continue through March 3.
The lectures complement the "America's Smithsonian" traveling exhibition, celebrating the Institution's 1996 sesquicentennial,
which will be in Los Angeles through March 8.
The group includes Smithsonian Institute Zoo Director Michael Robinson, anthropologist Alicia Gonzalez, Japanese art curator Ann Yonemura and sculpture curator Valerie Fletcher.
"This is the human component of our 150th anniversary exhibition," said Michael Robinson, co-creator of the "Smithsonian Voices of Discovery" program and director of the museum's National Zoo.
"We are famous for collections which everyone will see in 'America's Smithsonian.' What people do not see on a daily basis, what they do not know about, is the research and scholarship that goes on behind the scenes.
"This is a perfect opportunity to bring together before the public eye these other vital components of our work," he said.
The Smithsonian's contributions include research in diverse fields of art and science.
"The astronomical observatory had made major discoveries in finding out about the existence of planets outside our solar system," Robinson said. "We are making discoveries in tropical biology in Panama and Malaysia.
"My researchers at the National Zoo have made major advances in propagating endangered species by embryo transplantation, 'ou can take an in vitro embryo of a tiger and put it in a surrogate mother and get baby tigers."
Robinson discussed rain forest biology, the biological arms race and the conflict between
?redator and prey in the animal kingdom on uesday in a graduate student and faculty seminar in the Hancock building.
Alicia Gonzalez, Smithsonian director of college and university relations, spoke about the history of bread and bread-making in Western civilization at a graduate student and faculty seminar in the Montgomery Ross
(See Smithsonian, page 6)
On-campus service to tape texts for blind
By Siran Babayan
Staff Writer
A new on-campus service will begin recording textbooks onto audio tapes for blind and dyslexic students within a couple weeks.
Those students have typically faced a four to six week wait for their texts to be transcribed onto tape by an off-campus service, according to the Learning Center.
The goal of the new service, which nas not yet been named, is to make audio available to students within a week.
The Learning Center's
Reader/Taping Service, which in the past has used a contractor on the East Coast, is designed to help students with visual impairments, perceptual deficits and other physical handicaps.
According to the Office for Students with Disabilities, 10 to 12 students who are blind or partially sighted and 15 to 20 who are dyslexic or who read slowly currently use the service.
"These students need reader services because they simply can't do it with their visual system," said Dr. Janet Eddy, (See Blind, page 3)
Coffeehouse prices stimulate concern
By Antonia Barber
Staff Writer
Trojan Grounds, the specialty coffee, snack and pastry house recently opened next to Leavey Library, is working to address the handful of student complaints, including a lack of seating, long lines and high prices.
Michael Gratz, director of hospitality services, said he has received some negative comments from students regarding the new coffee shop, but a majority of them have been positive.
He and the store's management are working to solve the most serious concerns, such as adding stools and an extra cash
register. They are also kxiking into operating 24 hours a day during finals week.
Student building government representatives from the Residential Dining Advocacy Committee have been addressing their concerns about Trojan Grounds to Auxiliary Services management and EVK representatives at their weekly meetings, said Ben Martens, advocacy representative from Deans' Halls.
"We have brought to their attention that some students were frustrated with the long lines," said Martens, a freshman majoring in biology.
Others are not satisfied with (See Prices, page 6)